I've written a lot of songs but I haven't had the opportunity to record a lot of them.

There's nothing to compare to live music, there just isn't anything.

That's why you find a lot of entertainers are insecure, because it's the perfect camouflage for insecurity.

I had a fear of being alone.

Well, we all know that self-esteem comes from what you think of you, not what other people think of you.

The scripture that God used to save me was Isaiah 7.14, which today is still my favourite verse in the Bible.

God allows circumstances to build us up. God has got our back.

At first I was afraid, I was petrified, kept thinking I could never live without you by my side. But then I spent so many nights thinking how you did me wrong, and I grew strong.

All through my young life I wanted to sing, although nobody in my family knew it.

I've got all my life to live and I've got all my love to give

When I'm on stage, all is right with the world.

Nothing great comes to pass in life without perseverance.

Preparation is the pressure valve on a busy schedule.

Two men look out through the same bars. One sees the mud and the other the stars.

Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.

Stereotypes have their roots in truth.

The rich man never really gives anything, he only distributes part of the surplus. It is the person of moderate means who really gives.

If you go back to the roots of jazz, it was all about COLLECTIVE improvisation.

Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them.

I always tell the truth about what I’m selling, and then nobody buys it.

Poetry has been to me its own exceeding great reward; it has given me the habit of wishing to discover the good and beautiful in all that meets and surrounds me.